Weekly news round-up: Oscars, Apple and the NZ earthquake

WONDERING what’s happening around the world this week? We thought we’d give you a hand and fill you in on items big and small, near and far. This week, it’s about the Oscars, back-to-uni offers, and the earthquake in Christchurch.

The Oscars

It’s all about the Academy Awards this week, hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway (a first, for the two).

No major upsets really. The King’s Speech won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Colin Firth won Best Actor, but Geoffrey Rush missed out on Best Supporting Actor, which went to Christian Bale for his role in The Fighter.

Natalie Portman took home Best Actress for her role as the psychotic ballerina in the Black Swan. The Fighter also helped Melissa Leo clinch Best Supporting Actress alongside Christian Bale.

In other categories, The Social Network won Best Original Score, and Toy Story 3 won Best Animated Feature. The Best Original Song went to Randy Newman’s “We Belong Together” in Toy Story 3.

Student discounts

Apple fans may want to await the arrival of the new MacBook Pros to our shores, or the iPad 2 expected to be unveiled in March. But for the rest, it may be worth checking out Apple’s back-to-uni offer which comes bundled with a free iPod Touch when you buy a qualifying Mac with education pricing between now and March 28 (you get $289 back via mail-in rebate).

Students wishing to buy a PC should enquire about student discounts at computer stores. They are usually aplenty at this time of the year.

Christchurch earthquake

And finally,our thoughts go out to those affected by the February 22 earthquake in Christchurch. As of 4pm this afternoon (February 28), the New Zealand Government has confirmed 148 deaths, and said the figures were expected to rise.

International students from King’s Education, an international education private training establishment were also seriously affected by the earthquake.

The institution was located on the third floor of the collapsed CTV Building. A large number of students were from China, Japan, Philippines and Thailand.

New Zealand tertiary education minister Steven Joyce said foreign affairs staff in Christchurch were in close contact with embassies and consulates.

“While there are a number of missing students thought to be in the CTV Building, we cannot discount the chance that some students will be safe elsewhere,” Mr Joyce said.